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Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,029,399 times
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Will it be where Thailand is now?
Do you think it's economy will grow a lot?
Will democracy be a reality in practice?
I wonder if it's tourist industry will grow to match Thailand's. I mean look at its west coast, the incredible number of islands there would probably be more than a rival for Thailand. And in it's early years I imagine many who want to see more 'untouched Asia' would flock to it.
One thing I do hope is it doesn't develop Thailand's infamous sex industry.
Burma boasts more than Thailand, IMO, from snow-capped peaks (something Thailand can dream about), islands, interesting largely untouched cultures, colonial history.
I visited Myanmar about year or two ago. It's just so different from Thailand on so many levels. It seems like the gov't is trying very hard to keep it from becoming anything like Thailand.
I first came to Asia 15 years ago, and Thailand was just as crazy back than as it is now. Myanmar had the same reputation as it does now. In short, I think 20 years will come and go, and Thailand will still be relatively similar to what it is like now, and Myanmar will be with itself as well.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,029,399 times
Reputation: 11862
It just seems to me no country in SE Asia is immune to the economic boom that they've been having for some time now. China has a lot to do with it. I mean even Cambodia is like building skyscrapers in Phnom Penh, I don't see why Burma, with the liberalisation, might not follow.
One thing I do hope is it doesn't develop Thailand's infamous sex industry.
it already exists and in fact it's even easier than vietnam to find hotels that allow overnight guests. haven't spent too much time there but it's extremely easy to find. wondering what your thought process is here? sex tourists precede even the backpacker, much less the main stream tourists in a countries tourists development. you can't stop them because they were there before you even thought about visiting.
It's hard to say. The government is still largely controlled by the military, so they hold the countries fate in their hands. The military took the preservation of the Burmese culture to the extreme, shutting itself off from the outside world for decades. Meanwhile their people paid the price. The thing most people don't understand is that Burma is actually made up of over 100 ethnic groups, so the culture the military exerts on others is actually the Burman culture rather the traditions of the other various ethnic groups such as the Chin, Hmong or Karen. There is still hostility between the regions because of the junta's attempt to "Burmanize" the country.
But I do fear that the West is just waiting for Burma to appear "democratic" enough to the international community so they can move in and industrialize the country and suck it dry for their own good. It's interesting to watch China and the West talk about how much they admire the country, but I wonder if underneath the smiles, they have another agenda.
Truly one of the most amazing countries on the planet; I want my government to treat it with the respect it deserves.
it already exists and in fact it's even easier than vietnam to find hotels that allow overnight guests. haven't spent too much time there but it's extremely easy to find. wondering what your thought process is here? sex tourists precede even the backpacker, much less the main stream tourists in a countries tourists development. you can't stop them because they were there before you even thought about visiting.
Maybe the difference is it isn't so rampant. In Thailand, you can see it absolutely everywhere at all times.
In Myanmar, you just have to know the places to go to at night. There is also a strong innocence about it as well. I.E. legendary 'beauty pageants'...where the girls trying to get lei-lei flowers from customers, etc.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,029,399 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by foadi
it already exists and in fact it's even easier than vietnam to find hotels that allow overnight guests. haven't spent too much time there but it's extremely easy to find. wondering what your thought process is here? sex tourists precede even the backpacker, much less the main stream tourists in a countries tourists development. you can't stop them because they were there before you even thought about visiting.
Well I just don't want to see it dominate international perceptions of Myanmar, or to see Yangon or Rangoon (I prefer the latter name) become one big redlight district. Not that Bangkok is, you can go to BKK and totally avoid those areas, but there's still that annoying association.
Location: The western periphery of Terra Australis
24,544 posts, read 56,029,399 times
Reputation: 11862
Quote:
Originally Posted by cpg35223
Probably between India and Thailand.
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